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Obesity in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy in Turkey: A cross-sectional study
Bilinc Dogruoz Karatekin1, Gulnihal Kacar2, Afitap Icagasioglu2
1Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Obesity is prevalent in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), with motor function linked to BMI. Higher obesity rates in Turkish children with CP warrant further research and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function in children.
- Understanding obesity in ambulatory CP is crucial for health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate obesity prevalence in children with ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).
- To examine the relationship between obesity and motor function in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 75 ambulatory children (aged 2-18 years) with CP.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated and converted to Z-scores.
- Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels recorded.
Main Results:
- Obesity rate was 18.67%, and overweight rate was 16%.
- Gross motor function was significantly associated with height, weight, and BMI (p < 0.05).
- No association found between obesity/overweight and gender or CP subtype (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Turkish children with CP exhibit higher obesity rates than peers.
- Further research is needed to identify obesity causes in CP.
- Effective prevention and intervention programs are necessary for children with CP.
Purpose:
Obesity prevalence and the relationship between obesity and motor function in children with ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) were investigated.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study. The obesity profile of 75 children aged 2-18 years with ambulatory CP was investigated. GMFCS levels were recorded, and BMI was calculated using height and weight data and converted into Z-scores. Age- and gender-specific growth charts were used for children and adolescents.
Results:
The mean BMI of the participants was 17.78, with an obesity rate of 18.67% and an overweight rate of 16%. Gross motor function was found to be associated with height, weight, and BMI (p < 0.05). No relationship was found between obesity + overweight and gender and CP subtype (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Turkish children with CP had a higher rate of obesity compared to typically developing peers and also their counterparts in other countries. There is a need for studies to identify the causes of obesity and to develop effective intervention programs for prevention of it in children with CP.
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